The theme of the Music is shown forth by a central figure of King David, The Sweet Singer of Israel; by Saint Cecilia, traditional Patron Saint of Music and by later outstanding personages who have contributed importantly to the present day Music of the Church.

The central figure of King David is robed in a blue undergarment and a gold overmantle. He
is crowned and holds in his arms a harp on which he is playing.

The window was installed in memory of Mrs. Grace Greene Crosby and was dedicated on March 14, 1954. It was designed Reynolds, Francis, Rohnstock & Seti who also designed the Mothers’ Window in the Chancel, the Dwinnell window in the Transept and the windows in the Children’s Chapel .

This information was taken from the service of Dedication (March 14. 1954) bulletin.

Beneath this figure is a medallion which shows Saint Cecilia seated and playing on a primitive organ. Saint Cecilia was born in Rome of a wealthy Pagan family of Senatorial rank, probably toward the end of the second century. She was converted to Christianity and suffered a Martyr’s death. She is popularly credited with having invented the organ. That is incorrect, the
principle of the organ was well known before her time. She
is the Patron Saint of Music and a Music Window would be
incomplete without reference to her.

In the right lancet, the central medallion shows Mendelssohn seated and composing the Oratorio “Elijah.” The opening notes and words, “Hear ye Israel” form part of the composition. The Symbol above the medallion illustrates the climatic translation of Elijah to Heaven in a Chariot of Fire.

Below the Medallion of Mendelssohn, the symbol of Palestrina shows a Choir of Angels singing his Hymn, “The Strife Is O’er, The Battle Won.” Giovanni Palestrina ( ? – 1594) has been called the “Father of the Mass.” In the example shown in the Window, the shape of notes used differs from the oval shape of present notation.

The central medallion in the left lancet illustrates Handel conducting his Oratorio “The Messiah.” Shown are the first few notes and words of the “Hallelujah Chorus.” The Symbol above this medallion refers to
Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming of the Christ Child – “The
people that walked in darkness have seen a great Light and they
that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath
the light shined. For unto us a child is born, etc.”

Below the medallion of Handel is a Symbol suggesting Bach’s version of Christ appearing to a traveler. The first few notes shown here are from the Chorus “Come ye Daughters” from the “Passion According to Saint Matthew.